All 10 House Republicans from New York urged Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign on Monday because of intense pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus that have brought increased criticism of the university’s leadership from all sides.
Led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the members said Columbia’s campus has been overwhelmed by “anarchy” and that Shafik has not fulfilled her duty to provide a secure learning environment for students.
Hundreds of students have taken over Columbia’s campus, demonstrating against the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, supporting a cease-fire, and urging Congress to halt military aid to Israel.
Over 100 protesters were arrested on Friday at Shafik’s direction, but demonstrations have only grown in size and spread to other college campuses nationwide.
“The unfolding situation on campus right now is a direct result of your policies and misguided decisions,” the letter says. “Given these recent events and your testimony before Congress, we have no faith in your leadership of this previously respected institution.”
“The ongoing situation that has emerged is a direct result of your ongoing lenient enforcement of policy and obvious double standards,” they continued. “While the problem is institutional, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. It is time for Columbia University to move on from this disgraceful chapter. This can only be achieved through restoring order and your immediate resignation.”
Calls for Shafik to step down have grown on Monday from both sides of the political spectrum, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) making similar calls. A group of Jewish House Democrats also hinted during a visit to Columbia on Monday that they could also support efforts to oust the president if changes are not made soon.
Concerns are mounting over the safety of the Jewish student body at Columbia amidst the criticism, with some accusing protesters of harassment. Columbia shifted to online classes starting Monday, just before the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The Biden administration criticized the protests on Sunday, labeling them “blatantly antisemitic” and accusing them of promoting “calls for violence.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) made similar remarks.
A significant portion of the protesting students are Jewish, and protest groups have pushed back against portrayals of their demonstrations as antisemitic. There have been no reports of violence from the protests.
“We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us,” protest leaders stated on Sunday. “Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.”
“We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being formed among students,” they continued. “Pale